Page 34 of Into the Fire

“It’s a little weak. I’d like to adjust it,” I said, wringing my hands.

He nodded. “It’s not awful, especially when you’re pairing it with the music and tone of the song. I like the violin. It’s heavy. I can play it.”

“You don’t think it’s awful then?”

“Nothing you do is awful, LeeLee. Believe in yourself a little more.” He looked over at me, the glimmer that was usually in his blue eyes washed out. “Do you mind if I take this with me? I’ll tweak it a little and learn the music so we can record it.”

“Yeah, sure.” I watched as he got to his feet and gathered his messenger bag. “Are you leaving? I-I made your apple pie.”

He turned back to me, a sad look on his face. Something was bothering him, and I wanted more than anything to help him through whatever it was.

“Raincheck,” he murmured.

I closed my eyes as he brushed his knuckles along my jaw, goosebumps rushing along my skin. I pulled away from him at the same time he moved away from me.

His lips twitched in the corner. “I gotta go, songbird. I have a lead on some things that I need to follow up on.”

I got to my feet. “Your mom and sister?”

He sighed. “No. Not really. My father. I might not be in classes tomorrow. I’ll text you and Enzo if anything changes, OK?”

“Ani, you’re worrying me.”

“Come here,” he murmured.

I stepped toward him as he closed the distance, his arms winding around me and hugging me to him.

“The last thing I want to do is cause you any feelings other than happiness, Rosalie. You mean the world to me. Very few people in my life do. Once I get this all sorted, we’ll talk, OK?”

I nodded against his chest and hugged him back. “I hope so. You’re my best friend here, and I’m concerned. You’re not yourself.”

“I’m your bestie?” He chuckled softly. “Isn’t that position held by Fox?”

“He’s my best friend too. You can have more than one,” I mumbled, inhaling his crisp scent.

He pressed a kiss to the top of my head before backing away.

“We’ll talk soon. Promise.”

I nodded, believing him.

He offered me a sad smile before leaving the room. Moments later, the click of the front door closing let me know he was gone, and I was once again alone.

Just like always these days.

I awoketo being jostled gently. I’d fallen asleep on the couch while working on a new song. That had to be hours ago now.

Cracking my eyelids open, Enzo appeared in my line of sight.

“Hey, Sunshine,” he murmured as we ascended the stairs.

The smell of whiskey, smoke, and that distinctly spicy Enzo smell greeted me.

“Hey,” I answered back softly. “Where is everyone and why are you carrying me?”

“They’re around,” he said as we reached the top of the stairs. He continued to carry me down the hallway. “Cole drank a little too much and is throwing up in the snow. Fox and E are handling him.”

“Why aren’t you?”

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